Abstract

According to South African and American researchers XDR TB (extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis; i.e. strains of TB that are resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, quinolones and second line injectable anti-tuberculous drugs) may inhibit the success of TB and HIV treatment programs worldwide. Reports by Neel Ghandi and colleagues that XDR TB poses a greater threat to low-income countries such as South Africa and that committed action is needed to address the issue of resistant strains were first published in 2006. The study by Ghandi et al shows the devastating effect of XDR TB on patients and health workers, its alarmingly high mortality rates in those co-infected with HIV, and rapid nosocomial spread.